Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
But I understand where you were coming from; and now it’s time to change it.
*Editor’s note: I write this piece with a heavy heart for what has been happening in the country the past 10 days, but really the past 10 generations. I’ve debated saying nothing and “just listening” to the hurting voices out there - especially since writing about this topic, something I’ve done on multiple occasions in this forum, usually ends up a dumpster fire rather than a dialogue. But our coach was one of the people making national headlines over his comments this week, and several of our players were among the more outspoken voices from the beginning. So it seemed cowardly to avoid the topic just because of the conversation that would likely follow. In fact, not having the tough conversations is part of why we are where are when it comes to race in this country. I know there will be a lot of disagreement with my opinion, with writing about the issue in the first place, with others’ commentary on here. That’s fine. But I implore you all to engage in the conversation with some respect; listen to all the statements made by so many of our black players about how their lives have been impacted by this issue, and try understanding where your fellow Broncos’ fan may be coming from before just lashing out. Because anyone being a jackass, no matter your viewpoint, will absolutely be banned. Also, before you complain about the headline, it’s a take on the 1897 editorial in The Sun, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” This editorial is a little more serious.
Broncos coach Vic Fangio answered a question on Tuesday about how player activism in the NFL has evolved over the years.
His answer was genuine to his experience but it was immediately clear what would make headlines.
“I just don’t think there’s been a tremendous change, and I don’t say that to be negative. I think our problems in the NFL along those lines are minimal. We’re a league of meritocracy. You earn what you get, you get what you earn. I don’t see racism at all in the NFL. I don’t see discrimination in the NFL. We live in a great atmosphere. Like I alluded to earlier, we’re lucky. We all live together joined as one for one common goal, and we all intermingle and mix tremendously. If society reflected an NFL team, we’d all be great.”
Right on cue, Fangio’s “no racism in the NFL” spread like wildfire across social media and “Vic Fangio” was trending on Twitter.
The inevitable apology came, but the debate over it actually highlights the fundamental issue - not enough people see the racism that is there.
Is there racism in the NFL?
Absolutely.
Is it overt racist acts?
Almost never.
Is Vic Fangio wrong to say that he doesn’t see racism in the NFL?
No.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. In fact, it proves the opposite. It shows what white privilege has allowed so many of us not to notice.
We don’t notice that there are only four coaches and two general managers of color in the league and wonder why that percentage isn’t more reflective of the African-American population in the country, never mind within the NFL where 70% of the athletes are black.
We notice but often scoff at the Rooney Rule as a token application of diversity in hiring practices across the league.
We see the NFL’s 82.3% score for racial hiring practice in 2019 and consider that a “pretty good job” - despite the fact that it’s the lowest score in 15 years and a 6.7% drop from last year’s 89%.
But more importantly, we don’t notice how the lives of African-American football players are drastically different off the field from their white counterparts in the locker room. Even as highly paid, elite athletes and semi-celebrities, many black players still find themselves at risk in the public sphere because of their color.
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) June 5, 2020
I believe Fangio was being very honest when he answered the question. His other comments bear this out:
“I’ve been in the NFL or pro football since 1984 and I never have been around a problem in that regard, and it’s because we all come together with common goals, we all learn about each other, we spend a lot of time with each other and we move forward,” he said. “We don’t have the same amount of problems that maybe society as a whole has in our atmosphere.”
Because in his worldview, racism probably means blatant acts of discrimination to African Americans - such as racial slurs or segregation or unfair stereotypes.
Instead, in Fangio’s locker rooms, the coach likely saw black and white men get along, become friends, listen to the same music, spend time with each other’s families, stay friends after their football careers were over. And when he went home, he didn’t personally think any differently of his white or black players as people, so he would naturally believe that was true among the team.
What he wouldn’t see - and what very few of the white players, coaches, staff members at his NFL teams likely would see - is that those African American players left the stadium with a different mindset. A mindset that says they have to be twice as good to be considered legit; a mindset that reminds them to constantly look over their shoulders when they go out in public; a mindset in which it is ingrained to tell their children the same thing their parents told them - do not look at police the wrong way, do not talk back even if you’re correct, do not joke around because you may be shot for being black.
For Vic Fangio - and every white person in America - life is not like that. There are plenty of hardships and challenges and injustices. People of every color can point to instances of unfair and unjust treatment for a variety of reasons. But white people are not being killed for their color. That’s a fact.
We’re with you, @VonMiller. https://t.co/qq2CRVnzXl
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 4, 2020
Chargers’ head coach Anthony Lynn, one of the few African American coaches in the NFL, told the L.A. Times this week that one of the obstacles to change has been “good white people” who just don’t see racism as a problem.
“They don’t believe people can do the things they do and be this evil. They just don’t believe it,” Lynn said. “And I’m like, ‘Guys, you are so naïve and you’re so naïve because you’re really good people.’ I don’t mean that in a derogatory way, but your naïveté is hindering the cause.”
Colin Kaepernick tried to get our attention with a peaceful protest against police brutality and highlight a need for criminal justice reform. Because the protest took place during the national anthem - and because too many politicians and news media outlets needed a good guy-bad guy scenario for attention - Kaepernick’s message got lost in a debate that was never intended.
But his goal - and the torch that former Broncos’ linebacker Brandon Marshall took up in Denver - was always about highlighting injustice, asking fans and all Americans to notice it and help change it.
NFL coaches like Fangio - as well as owners and players and fans alike - should have paid closer attention then, and maybe we wouldn’t be here now.
But we are here, and there are plenty of players making powerful and respectful statements asking all of us to see it, notice it, change it.
All Lives can't matter until black lives matter.
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) June 1, 2020
Luke 15 pic.twitter.com/hUpObmnIfM
Broncos’ News
Broncos coaches eligible to return to UCHealth Training Center on Friday
Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to teams Thursday informing them of the latest update.
3 NFL Rule Changes That Benefit Fans And The Game | The Draft Network
The NFL is always changing.When we hear that, we often think about the players. We think about how the tight end position is evolving into more of a big receiver. We think about how the safety position is becoming more versatile than ever; playing in the slot, acting as a more athletic linebacker, etc. We also think about the creative ways coaches are deploying not just new twists on these positions, but many others. But sometimes when we say the game is changing we literally mean the game itself.
Mile High Morning: Vic Fangio expects Broncos won’t take the field together until training camp
“Right now, we won’t be on the field until training camp,” Fangio said Tuesday. “If that changes between now and then, then we will adjust.”
This is why Colin Kaepernick took a knee - The Washington Post
The NFL ostracized the quarterback for his protests against police brutality. It's more clear than ever what a terrible decision that was.
Broncos coach Vic Fangio apologizes for comments about discrimination in NFL – The Athletic
Fangio also spoke with Broncos players about his earlier comments that he sees "no racism" and "no discrimination" in the NFL.
Broncos coach Vic Fangio clarifies comment about racism and discrimination in NFL
In a lengthy statement released by the Broncos, coach Vic Fangio clarified his comment on Tuesday that racism and discrimination were prevalent in the NFL.
AFL players can teach us a lesson on dealing with racism - Mile High Report
Early days of the American Football League provide a good example of taking race issues head on.
NFL News
The NFL Draft Insiders Podcast | Pro Football Network
Join Tony Pauline and Andy Herman as they give you all the latest news, rumors, and inside information around the world of college football and the NFL.
Players send message to league in coordinated video post
A number of notable NFL players posted the identical video across their various social media accounts on Thursday night in which they call on the league to
Packers pledge $250K to social justice, racial equality causes
Green Bay president and CEO Mark Murphy and his wife, Laurie, are also supporting the effort with a $250,000 donation to Wisconsin social justice groups.
Bills QB Jake Fromm apologizes for 'elite white people' comment
Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Jake Fromm issued an apology Thursday after screen grabs of text messages emerged on Twitter that showed Fromm using the phrase
Vikings players attend George Floyd memorial in Minneapolis
A number of players on the Minnesota Vikings attended Thursday's memorial for George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Malcolm Jenkins pens powerful op-ed on ongoing protests
"I'm afraid because I am very aware that my wealth and life achievements will not introduce me when confronted with police authority," Jenkins writes. "Instead, my skin will do that. Then I am, simply, black.
Aaron Rodgers: It's never been about the flag - ProFootballTalk
“A few years ago we were criticized for locking arms in solidarity before the game. It has NEVER been about an anthem or a flag,” Rodgers wrote. “Not then. Not now. Listen with an open heart, let’s educate ourselves, and then turn word and thought into action.”
Russell Wilson: Colin Kaepernick was "trying to do the right thing" - ProFootballTalk
“The God that I believe in, the Jesus that I believe in has sacrificed for us all, and I think at the end of the day, for me, I want to love like Jesus did,” Wilson said.
Russell Wilson Opens Up About Racist Encounter After 2014 Super Bowl: It 'Really Pained My Heart'
The athlete said it's "staggering" to see racism and police brutality "happen right in front of our faces"
Retired LB Luke Kuechly joins Panthers' front office as pro scout
The Carolina Panthers announced on Thursday that retired linebacker Luke Kuechly will join the team in the front office as a pro scout.
from Mile High Report - All Posts https://ift.tt/2BCtror
No comments:
Post a Comment